Federer trains smarter, not harder in 2018

Published by Justin Chadwick

GettyImages-900022652
Less has become more for world No.2 Roger Federer

Less has become more for world No.2 Roger Federer as he attempts to extend his dazzling career beyond 2018.

Federer remains a giant of the sport at age 36, winning two grand slam titles in a dream 2017, including the Australian Open.

But after spending most of 2016 on the sidelines with a career-threatening knee injury, Federer knows he needs to take it easy with his body.

Federer injured his knee while running a bath for his twins, and he knows he might be just one more serious injury away from having his career ended. But for the moment he has no thoughts of retirement.

Instead, he is eyeing off more grand slam success, and he believes the key to achieving that is by training smarter, instead of harder. “Through the injury I sustained here in Australia a couple of years ago, my mindset has changed,” Federer said.

“I probably work less, with even more quality. So it gives me more time off. Essentially I’m working half days if you like, because there’s no point for me to put in all the mega hours anymore, because I know I have it in the vault, I have it there if need be.

“That’s why I think it was very important for me to prove to myself at the Australian Open this year – to win those three five setters that I had. (And also win) the two five-setters I had at the US Open. I won all the big matches when it came down to the crunch. I know I can do it, and it’s important to stay injury free.”

Federer made a perfect start to his Hopman Cup campaign with a 6-4 6-3 win over Japan’s Yuichi Sugita.

Switzerland went on to win the tie 3-0, and they’ll be back in action on Tuesday night when they take on Russia at Perth Arena.

Federer will face off against Karen Khachanov, with former world No.7 Belinda Bencic to take on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Share this: 
  • Most popular articles

14 August 2017

Sharapova quotes Serena: “I will never lose to that li...

Maria Sharapova has opened up in her memoir Unstoppable, revealing her take on how Serena ... More

22 August 2017

Putintseva’s epic coaching bust-up

Finally! After years of watching coaches wander on to court and say nothing particularly i... More

23 February 2016

The history of the most common words in tennis

Tennis is a funny old game. People love you one minute and then want to drop you the next;... More

19 February 2016

Tennis player grunts or porn star groans?

Roberta Vinci appeared on Italian TV and was put to the test - were the grunts she was hea... More